Service Information

Juliette Smith Anonsen

March 26, 1945 - May 14, 2017

Obituary

Juliette Smith Anonsen, 72, passed away on Mother's Day, May 14, 2017 at her beloved home in Suffolk, surrounded by her family and devoted caregivers.

Julie was born on March 26, 1945 in Wilmington, N.C. to the late John Watkins Smith and Shirley Ensley Smith. Not long after she was born the family returned to her father's home in Poquoson, VA, where Julie flourished along with her sister, Betsy, who came along two years later.

Julie graduated from Poquoson High School in 1963. She attended Thomas Nelson Community College, Northern Virginia Community College,...

Juliette Smith Anonsen, 72, passed away on Mother's Day, May 14, 2017 at her beloved home in Suffolk, surrounded by her family and devoted caregivers.

Julie was born on March 26, 1945 in Wilmington, N.C. to the late John Watkins Smith and Shirley Ensley Smith. Not long after she was born the family returned to her father's home in Poquoson, VA, where Julie flourished along with her sister, Betsy, who came along two years later.

Julie graduated from Poquoson High School in 1963. She attended Thomas Nelson Community College, Northern Virginia Community College, and Tidewater Community College over the next several years. Julie was a career employee of the federal government working for the Department of the Army, Marine Corps, and the Navy at her retirement in 2005.

Her most enjoyable job was while on a three-year tour in Chievres, Belgium, working for the NATO forces as the Training Standards Officer with responsibility for visits to various testing sites in Europe. The travel was an extra bonus.

Julie was a talented competitive ballroom dancer, displaying her natural grace and beauty on the dance floor. The audience always appreciated the performances she and her partner executed, demonstrating their many hours of rehearsal required to achieve their level of skill.

Also, she was well known for her culinary skills. She enjoyed entertaining and preparing vast amounts of food in her large kitchen designed just for that purpose. Guests might include eight or thirty plus, it didn't matter. Everyone was welcome.

Julie was devoted to her church and strong in her faith. She sang in the choir for many years, giving it up only when fatigue from her illness prevented going on. She rarely missed Sunday services and was especially excited to feel well enough to attend on Easter Sunday. Sadly, it was that very evening that she fell ill and began the final decline that led to her passing.

Julie was such a loving, gentle, caring person. She rescued every animal in need of a home. The wildlife that hopped, fluttered, and grazed in her backyard gave her many hours of joy.

The family would like to thank the companions with Home Instead and the professional staff from Heartland Hospice.

In addition to her parents, Julie was predeceased by her husband of twenty years, Earl Henry Anonsen. She is survived by her four daughters, Gina Freeman Eanes (Tommy Sr.), Tammy Eilers, Pamela Hunter (David), Julie Perry (Michael); sister, Betsy Stewart; grandsons, Curtis (Heather), Tommy, Jr., Kenny (Kara); granddaughters, April, Shea, Kara (Michael); five great-grandchildren with another on the way; two aunts; an uncle; numerous cousins; and last, her dear cat, Max.

A celebration of Julie's life will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 1589 Steeple Drive, Suffolk, VA with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

Donations made to the Alzheimer's Association or to any No-Kill animal shelter would be appreciated.

Family requests any floral arrangements be sent directly to the church.